ABD - Rochdale

The Association of British Drivers
Local Issues — Rochdale

This page focusses on issues solely within Rochdale Metropolitan Borough.
For issues across the whole of Greater Manchester please see our Greater Manchester page.

For local advice on roads and traffic issues email our local co-ordinator:

2008-05-02
Greater Manchester Police Farce
It has taken an insane four years for a Rochdale driver to clear his name after a GMP WPC tried to fine him for playing Riverdance 'too loudly' in his car.
Markus Aitken had merely pulled over to ask the WPC for directions and was perfectly able to speak with her, so it was not as if he was actually playing the music too loudly. Instead of trying to be helpful, the silly bitch3a ordered him out of his car and fined him for 'causing excessive noise'.
Despite the utter triviality of the alleged offence, and blatant stupidity of the WPC, GMP pig-headedly continued to pursue the case for a ridiculous 4 years. When the case came to court, the judge took only 4 minutes to announce he was cancelling the fine. Is it any wonder drivers feel persecuted by the police?
Shame the court didn't fine the WPC for 'being excessively stupid' and wasting the court's time.

Daily Telegraph — Driver Cleared of Playing Riverdance too Loudly

Rochdale Revolt on Con Charge
Supporters of council leader Alan Taylor's pro stance on Congestion Charge are conspicuous by their absence. Fellow Lib Dem councillors Irene Davidson and Keith Swift are opposing the charge saying there is no benefit for their constituents.
Did we read that right? Councillors actually standing up for the people who elected them instead of telling them what is good for them? There is hope for democracy yet.

The constituents of Mr Taylor, however, need to have a word with him.

Councillor Taylor said:

“I must stress at this stage I have not voted to introduce congestion charging. We will fully consult the people of Rochdale on any future plans to bring in any charges. I can give the people of this borough the assurance that we will oppose any secondary congestion charging plans.”

Remember that — and watch him like a hawk.

Rochdale Observer — Congestion charge bid leaves town divided 2007-08-14

Elsewhere on the ABD website:

Speed Cameras in Greater Manchester

External Links:

Rochdale Council
- Transport & Streets
Rochdale Junctions
Traffic improvement schemes taking place in Rochdale.
Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership (Speed Cameras)
- Map showing locations of fixed speed cameras in Rochdale
Greater Manchester Police

Media Links:

Adjacent local areas

Middleton Guardian — Why did council vote yes? 2007-08-02
Middleton Guardian — Lane is still waiting for a bus – 18 months on 2007-02-15
Rochdale Observer — Dream car ‘will bring fame and fortune to town’ 2007-01-30
Rochdale Online — Council Leader criticised for driving to congestion charge meeting! 2007-01-29
Rochdale Observer — Motorists heading on road to chaos 2007-01-19
Rochdale Online — To take the hump or not, that is the question! 2007-10-13
Rochdale Online — Speeding drivers warned after lying motorist is jailed 2006-11-11
Two months in jail for lying. So there you have it, conclusive proof that the law regards lying as a far more serious offence than exceeding the speed limit. An interesting perspective given that the government claims 'speed kills', but interestingly enough doesn't claim lying does so. Still, we can't have people trying to find ways around government anti-car efforts can we?
Next week a story of how Britain's prisons are over-crowded.
MEN — Driver caught in speed sign con 2006-06-14
'Attempting to pervert the course of justice'? 'Justice'? Since when have speed cameras had anything to do with 'justice'?
Mr Hopwood's biggest crime was being daft enough to use the same sign in two photos...
Rochdale Observer — Bumpy ride means buses will quit estate 2005-03-15